Key Developments: IDF troops clearing tunnels beneath Beaufort Ridge found maps marking northern Israeli towns near the Lebanon border. KAN News says Hezbollah built the complex after losing Beaufort Castle; the tunnel system reportedly houses hundreds and contains living quarters, utilities and defensive arrays. In related operations, the IDF struck cells and over 70 infrastructure sites in 24 hours and reported killing more than 10 field commanders and several successors.
IDF Finds Maps of Northern Israeli Towns Inside Extensive Hezbollah Tunnels Under Beaufort Ridge
Israeli soldiers operate at Beaufort Ridge in southern Lebanon, in this handout image released on May 31, 2026. (photo credit: Israeli Military/Handout via REUTERS)
The Israel Defense Forces said troops clearing a subterranean tunnel network beneath Beaufort Ridge discovered maps detailing northern Israeli communities that border Lebanon.
The IDF's 36th Division is continuing a systematic clearance of the complex, and officials reported that one passage contained maps marking towns along Israel's northern frontier. According to KAN News, Hezbollah built the underground facility as a contingency after losing Beaufort Castle during Israel's large-scale counterterror operation in Lebanon.
What the Tunnels Contained
Israeli forces say the network was designed to accommodate hundreds of operatives and includes multiple rooms fitted for long-term occupancy. The military described the interior as having living quarters, plumbing and electrical systems, and substantial anti-tank and aerial-defense arrays — facilities that were reported as 'intended to target IDF troops and Israeli civilians.'
Maps discovered from a Hezbollah tunnel showing northern Israeli communities. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON UNIT)
Related Operations and Strikes
In a separate recent operation, the IDF located and struck two Hezbollah cells operating from an underground route in southern Lebanon. Troops recovered two Kalashnikov rifles and assorted military gear, and destroyed additional weapons and launch positions found near the subterranean route.
Over a 24-hour period, the IDF also struck more than 70 Hezbollah infrastructure sites, including rocket launchers and buildings the military says were used to support attacks on IDF forces and Israeli civilians.
Commanders Reportedly Killed
The IDF announced that its operations in southern Lebanon recently killed more than 10 Hezbollah field commanders along with several named successors. Reported fatalities include the commander of Hezbollah's Nasser Unit, Hajj Salameh; his successors Mahdi Bazzi and Ashraf Salloum; the Shaqif Sector commander Nasser Shaqir and his successor Ahmad Sablini; and other senior figures such as Ali Abbas (Bint Jbeil), Kamil Younes (Tyre), Fuad Moussa (Hajir), Hussein Salami (Jibshit), Ali Khayekh (al-Khiam) and Musallam Harb (Qana).
The IDF framed these actions as part of ongoing efforts to degrade Hezbollah’s operational capabilities along the border. Report contributions were provided by Goldie Katz and Leo Feierberg Better.
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